A Love Note to Germany (And Other Things)

Okay. There’s been a flurry of excited messaging ever since I mentioned I’d be making a trip to Europe, and was willing to sign books while I’m over there. Details are over here on the previous blog.

Here are a few general comments and some answers to questions in response to the hubbub.

To my German Readers:

Oh my German readers. I do love you. I love you with a fierce love that is big as the sky. I know there are many of you. I know you would like me to stop in your country and sign books and do various authory things.

Do not think that I scorn you. Do not think that I neglect you. Do not think I fail to appreciate you, because I do. It is because of you that I can now legitimately call myself “International Bestselling Author” Patrick Rothfuss.

Before that, I was forced to call myself merely “Skilled Lover of Women” Patrick Rothfuss or “That Strange Guy Who Sits in the Back of the Coffeeshop All the Time” Patrick Rothfuss.

I appreciate this. You must believe me. I love you.

But as for making a stop in Germany this time around. I just don’t think I’m going to be able to.

You see, Sarah, she says. “I would like to go to Rome.”

And I think, “Rome? Have they done five hardcover printings of my book in Rome? No. That was Germany. Did my book get all manner of cool reviews in Rome? No. That also was Germany. What of the swank little bookmark? Surely that was Rome? No. It was not.”

But you see, Sarah, she has this baby in her. This baby gives her remarkable powers.

I say to Sarah, “Where would you like to go on your trip to Europe?

Sarah says, “I would like to go to Rome.”

And lo. We go to Rome.

Sarah says, “Also, I would like to see Paris.”

And suddenly, it is so.

I’m not saying I’ll never visit you, Germany. I will. I promise. It’s just that when I do visit, I want everything to be perfect. I don’t want to rush this part of our relationship. I don’t want to go too fast. We need to be sure we’re both ready. I want this to be special for both of us.

Perhaps I’ll come to visit when book two is translated. Or maybe when your paperback comes out. Hopefully, if the German publishers are willing to help, we can do it up proper and I’ll hit a bunch of places all over Germany, rather than just making a two-day stop in one city.

Be patient, I love you.

Sincerely,

pat

To my readers in Dublin:

As above. I was really hoping to make it there during this trip, but it just didn’t work out. You’ll see me before too long. I promise.

To my readers in other countries:

I would love to come to Sweden. To Ireland. To Spain. To Belgium. To Estonia. To Finland. I would love to come to Russia. To the Czech Republic. To Turkey. To Wales. To Portugal….

I’m sure you can see the problem.

If you can’t see the problem, it’s this: if I went to all of these countries, I wouldn’t have time to do anything but drive around. I wouldn’t see anything except through the window of a train. It’s pure logistics. I can’t do it all this trip. Someday. Hopefully.

To people eager to help schedule a signing:

1. If you want your local bookstore to host a signing, you need to tell *them* you’re excited about it, not me. I’m already interested in doing a signing. So are you. We’re on the same page. We’ve established a rapport.

But without the bookstore it’s just not going to work out. It’s like a three-way. It doesn’t matter how much you and me want it. Without that third person, it just doesn’t work out.

2. If you have a friend/relative/lover/former roommate that works in a bookstore, and you think they’d be excited to help schedule a signing. Contact *them* about it, see if they’re really interested, then have them drop me a line if they are.

3. If you want to contact me about a potential signing, use the contact form. If you post it in the comments, I won’t know how to get in contact with you. I will be similarly helpless if you shout the information out your window, or write it on your bathroom mirror. Sad but true.

4. If your town isn’t on the list of places I’m stopping, I probably won’t be able to come out and do a signing. The possible exception to this is Manchester, as it’s on my way between London and Edinburgh. But even that depends on the interest of the local bookstore. (See #1)

That said, if you’re actually one of the folks in charge of scheduling events in a bookstore or a library, and you’d REALLY like me to stop in, you can still drop me a line.

A few quick answers:

Q: “Will I be posting up the dates, times, and places of the eventual signings?”

A: Um… Yes? Rest assured. I’ll be posting them here on the blog, and on the Tour Schedule Page.

Q: “How’s the book going?”

A: Very well. Don’t bug me about it. It harshes my vibe.

Q: “Does Sarah have any news about the baby?”

A: I just asked her. Sarah says: “It’s freaking huge.”

Q: “I live in a town in Europe! We have a bookstore! You should come here!”

A: That is not a question. Also, please see above points one through four inclusive.

Hugs and kisses,

pat

This entry was posted in appearances, BJ Hiorns Art, foreign happenings, Sarah, signing books, travel abroadBy Pat72 Responses

72 Comments

  1. Evan
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 1:06 AM | Permalink

    Haha… hugs and kisses.

    Everybody knows it’s “warms and fuzzies” these days, Pat!

    :0) Good luck with your baby-moon in Europe!

  2. Pierre
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 1:09 AM | Permalink

    Enjoy your trip (it’s for you and Sarah, well really for Sarah..) I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time wherever you may go.

    It’s always much more fun to spend a couple of days in a place, so you can a bit more of a feel for the place, the people, the food, etc.

    Looking forward to hearing about your wonderful trip, maybe even seeing “Pat sighting” pictures from you in foreign and interesting places.

    Live life :)

    ->Pierre

  3. Steven Weyerts
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 1:10 AM | Permalink

    This is sad. I live in your home state, and I still haven’t gone to one of your signings. I feel unappreciative. Like a cheap fan. No, a half-ass fan.

    This will have to change when book two comes along.

    If it makes any difference, I’ve officially read your book four times. Which is probably only 196 less than you have.

    Word verification: <>dooph<>. Another word for “half-ass fan.”

  4. Major Sheep
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 1:28 AM | Permalink

    You should see if Sarah’s special powers work on anyone else. Could be fun at security checkpoints.

  5. Brett
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 1:48 AM | Permalink

    Hee. “This is not the fantasy author you’re looking for. Move along.”

    Sarah could be righteously righteous.

  6. Silaqui
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 2:13 AM | Permalink

    I maintain that New Orleans is lovely this time of year. Jazz Fest, crawfish. Really, what more could you ask for. Plus, you don’t have to do that pesky 10 hour trans-atlantic flight thingy :D

  7. An Albino Druid
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 2:43 AM | Permalink

    I am here (online, but physically in my room) to post my most sad comment ever posted by An Albino Druid on the Patrick Rothfuss Blog. That being typed, this is only my second comment, so I guess it would not be hard to make this one a bit more somber.

    As it turns out, I will NOT be able to attend your world-famous European Tour. I am hurt inside because of this, but I think it will be alright… Some day, we will meet, Pat, and it will be completely magical! I believe that would be “es wird zauber sein” auf Deutsch… ish. I hardly know anything in German. But I like to try…

    You two (baby makes three?) should travel by tour bus. I beieve that is the only way to do a tour correctly. Not tour train, not tour plane. Tour Bus. And you should put a hottub on said bus. I have not tried it, but that is what my friends and I are going to do when we finally make it big in our garage band. Our name is either “Four Men in a Hottub” because that is where we came up with the idea, or “Timshel” because we all enjoyed reading East of Eden in our sophomore English class last year…

    But I will miss you, as I guess I have for… ever. Have a wonderful trip none-the-less. Eat a lot of greasy meats and stuff, and rub Sarah’s feet until the muscles are so relaxed that you could actuallyuse her feet to unlock a door if you lost your key. I would not advise you to actually try that, though. Just rub them. Until then, I remain…

    Respectfully Yours,
    An Albino Druid
    Leading Member of the Anti-Fashion Industry Since 1992

  8. Jessica
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 3:19 AM | Permalink

    In Bosnia, they say that every time you disagree with a pregnant woman, you’ll get a pimple. At least, this is what a Bosnian friend told me, when I was pregnant. At least, I think that’s what he said, it was a little unclear. And he kept agreeing with me no matter what I said. So anyway, yeah, I think the pregnant lady wins.

    Have a superfun time!

  9. sevedra
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 3:34 AM | Permalink

    I hope you didn’t answer this question in the comments of a previous post, I can’t read all the comments, my eyes start to ooze out. So, queston:

    When is Sarah’s baby due? (yours too I assume)

    I am very excited for you to embarking on parenthood! I have three myself, i don’t recommend that many though. It never good for the tyrants to outnumber the Ones In Charge.

  10. Carolyn
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 4:07 AM | Permalink

    Canada loves you too!
    I like that when Sarah says something it is in pink.

    I hope that you both have much fun traversing Europe!

  11. Nyn
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 5:28 AM | Permalink

    Thank you Pat! I’m one of your (doubtlessly numerous) German readers and I feel a little better now about your not coming to visit – for now. ^_^

    Give Sarah my best wishes and enjoy your trip!

    All the best!

    Nyn

  12. Martin Seeger
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 6:12 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    as a married man i can only applaud you to listening to Sarah instead those nagging german readers (even though i’m one of them). Right choice, enjoy Rome (both of you) :-).

    I keep an eye on the tour schedule and try to see if Ryanair can carry me to one of those locations you’re going to visit.

    Have fun in Europe, Martin

  13. Anonymous
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 7:18 AM | Permalink

    Hey Pat,

    I was visiting my girlfriend in Stuttgart a couple of weeks ago and check out what I found:

    http://www.willi-rothfuss.de/

    and

    http://www.hermann-rothfuss.de/

    The name Rothfuss sounds German already but now here’s the prove – you’re one of us (at least a little;-)!

    Congrats on your baby!

    Tom

  14. KC
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 7:28 AM | Permalink

    Hey Pat. This is my first time ever blogging… so here it is. I’m halfway through your first book and naturally started looking for the second when I came across your blog. In particular the posting concerning the writing of the second book. I couldn’t stop laughing. And I realised today that after reading hundreds of books and sagas how annoyed I would get when the next book wasn’t ready. Wow. How selfish am I? You can tell one hell of a story. I appreciate your book more now knowing that your a normal dude that has normal stuff to do and these things take lots of time and work. Thanks for Name of the Wind and I look forward (patienly) to The Wise’s Mans Fear.

  15. susan
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 8:30 AM | Permalink

    I totally understand Sarah’s choice. Rome is such a beautifull city. I was there about a month ago and you just walk through a history story. Also very nice shopping ( ;)to Sarah, especially when Pat can’t say no at the moment). Paris is also beautifull and when you are in Europe you have to be able to stand on the Eifeltoren. I live nearby Amsterdam and this is also very nice. Don’t stay in the Red light district and the Kalverstraat (you have to see it but 5 minutes is enough). but explore all the little streets and kanals. It is so nice…

    I also love Edinburgh and London. Europe is great!!

  16. Anonymous
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 8:36 AM | Permalink

    Dear Sarah,
    don’t listen to Pat’s fans! YOU ARE RIGHT! Im am from Germany and know a variety of German cities. Forget about them. Go to Rome. Rome is the nicest place you can go to in Europe. It is wonderful, adorable, happy, warm & sunny, ancient, full of mysteries (ok, and tourists), enchanting, “zauberhaft”……
    there are nice little bookstores in Trastevere, but I don’t know anybody there, sorry for that.

  17. Frank
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 9:05 AM | Permalink

    So it will be Amsterdam:

    Goedendag, mijnheer Rothfuss! Een fraai baard ;-))

  18. susan
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 9:05 AM | Permalink

    For all the Dutch readers and Pat of course. I just send a email to Scheltema bookstore in Amsterdam. They do a lot of booksignings so who knows…

  19. Anonymous
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 10:05 AM | Permalink

    A deep sigh from Berlin. Well, normally I totally appreciate women making the decisions and giving directions, so I am in kind of a moral dilemma here. But, seeing as there are also rational reasons for listening to your girlfriend, I guess your German fans should really be patient. If “no fury like a woman scorned” is true, as they say, than it’s especially true for pregnant women, I guess. Maybe that should be “no natural disaster like a pregnant woman scorned” – so probably it would be much better for your psychic and physical health to give in and visit Germany another time. And as your German fans do actually want you to be alive and well so that you can finish part two (if not for your own sake), just listen to Sarah.
    Ok, now seriously: Sarah’s absolutely right, Rome is “traumhaft schön”, an amazing city, enjoy yourselves there, and your visit may be just the right occasion to catch a cheap flight and go there again!

    (And I apologise for making a pregnant man-eating monster out of Sarah. It was just for the sake of the argument. I think she’s earned the decision for putting up with all your writing and touring, with our without baby.)

  20. Anonymous
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 10:10 AM | Permalink

    Haha, I know exactly how you feel. Sounds like the Baby is already the boss.

    But (as a German) I can honestly say that Rome and Paris are better choices for traveling with women than German cities. Berlin is for history-freaks and Munich is a masculine town with all the abvarian beer culture ;)

    A german Book tour sounds great. A heard Klett-Cotta did something similar for Tad Williams, so when the long awaited blockbuster “Wise Man’s Fear” comes out they should be interested! hehe

    But be shure to pick up one of those weird italien editions of TNotW and think of our german built-in ribbon bookmark hardcover edition… ;P

  21. Maria Stahl
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 11:22 AM | Permalink

    Dear Pat and Sarah,

    You can do another European tour in a year. Life does not end with parenthood. I do not think there is any human so portable as a small baby in diapers (no potty stops) who is still nursing (no fusses about where and what to eat). Cheap, too. They don’t need a plane ticket.

    We always took our tiny ones to interesting places and have wonderful memories. (We have the memories, that is. The kids don’t remember a thing.)

    You can still meet those wonderful fans in Germany, Finland, Russia, etc.

  22. Anonymous
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 11:42 AM | Permalink

    Germany,
    If you want to see Pat, just invade France again. Says he is going to Paris, you know the drill. Hopefully they will have surrendered by the time you tanks roll into Paris! Problem solved;)
    (snark)

  23. Jennifer
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 11:57 AM | Permalink

    Ah yes, the magical powers granted by pregnancy. Right now, I try to use mine only for good…foot rubs and more ice cream and potato chips at 2 am. I gotta see if I can bump it to trip to France levels.

  24. Elveny
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 12:07 PM | Permalink

    Paris and Rome are great. But I wouldn’t generally say, they are better than ANY city in Germany. Really. Not.
    It depends on what you want. Big, dirty, exciting, buzzing cities – go to Rome and Paris. I know you’ll enjoy it. Adorable, medieval beauties – you find the most beautiful in Germany.

    Anyway – apology accepted, Pat and be assured: Your German fans will wait for your next trip to Europe. We can be a patient lot, you know ;)

  25. Julia
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 1:11 PM | Permalink

    Don’t worry Patrick…
    Germany will wait for your…
    And until then..we will reread..and rearead..and reread your gorgoeus book.

    One German fan~

  26. Anonymous
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 1:45 PM | Permalink

    don’t do too many booksignings pat

    remember to spend time with your beloved Sarah it is (apparently) a holiday!!

  27. K. L. Parish
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 1:50 PM | Permalink

    I have very simple advice: Let the preggo win.

    I just helped support my cousin through her pregnancy a few short months ago and I can honestly say it’s a blue-eyed miracle that everyone came out alive.

    In the darkest hours, just remember the tiny, fuzzy (bearded) and coneheaded, constipated, teething wailing machine that awaits you. Like a sixteen pound ferret which eventually learns to mimick the worst curse words you utter in its presence.

    Wait, that’s not as inspirational as I was shooting for…

    Word verification – intizede: n. the supernatural power that a woman gains through conception which allows her to dictate your life for approximately nine months.

    Sorry Pat. As a woman, I would drag your writerly rump to Rome too. When I think of Rome I think of romance and red wine overlooking the Coliseum. When I think of Berlin I think of Beerfest. And lederhosen. And beards.

    Not that there is anything wrong with beards.

    Kindest regards,
    Kellye

  28. Anonymous
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 2:22 PM | Permalink

    I think Sarah is right. Visiting Rome and Paris is a good decision (such beautiful cities) and Germany can wait. (I honestly can say that I wouldn’t have choosen a german city either).
    The “Love Note to Germany” was really nice.
    I’m definitely looking forward to see you in Germany … well … soon after your trip… hopefully. But I guess it will be difficult (because of Sarah and the baby) Don’t leave them for too long!!!!
    We would understand.
    Well, primarily enjoy your trip and have a wonderful time!!!

    -Jill-

  29. Anonymous
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 2:32 PM | Permalink

    Because of what K. L. Parish said I just wanted to let you know that not all germans go to Beerfests wear lederhosen and beards. I would guess that you wouldnt see anyone with a Lederhose in Berlin. Its a regional thing. So you mostly find them in Bavaria (Munich etc.). Just wanted to prepare you for your Germany trip. :)

    Have a good time in Europe!
    Best wishes to you and Sarah (and the baby ;)).

  30. Robert Crandall
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 4:15 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    I recently did my first Europe trip. And my wife is now pregnant with our first child. I feel your decision.

    Germany was not a choice for us – it was the reason for our trip. Work based. And we both felt bad because, of all the places in Europe to visit, Germany was towards the bottom of our list. We didn’t want to see it. Paris, Rome, Dublin, London – those places were the sites to see.

    If only we had known what a dirty, filthy, scam-ridden city Paris is. It’s not <>really<> Parisian fault: they get something like 60,000 tourists <>per day<>. No infrastructure can support that.

    Anyway, if I had known, this is what I would have done:
    * Make original itinerary just as you have done: spend lots of time in Paris
    * But, make a backup itinerary that cuts Paris in half. Just in case you don’t like it
    * On that backup itinerary, add Stuttgart & Heidelberg. The Rhein is also very cool.

    You wanna geek out at amazing history, see actual medieval castles & armor? See the Germany “universal healthcare” system from 1450? And see actual unicorn sculptures from the 15th century? That’s Germany.

    Go to Paris, do the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Versailles. But for the love of your pregnant wife, have a plan in case that filthy city isn’t as romantic as people say.

    I’m not European. This is just one opinion from a US guy who likes smaller places. (My wife votes this way too).

    Word verification is “unson” btw. Guess either your child, or mine, is the un-son: aka the daughter!

  31. gapyeargirl123
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 4:17 PM | Permalink

    I’m still so excited that you are coming.

    Glasgow peeps – I e-mailed Waterstones, giving them a heads up. I guess if they aren’t interested, it’s their loss.

    @ Brett, artist of the cool cartoons – I love this one! It just made me burst out laughing.

    Yay for book signings!

  32. MissMatthews
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 4:20 PM | Permalink

    well Pat,im not one of those disapointed fans, i happento be in london the days you are there and will be following you around :)

    byeeee!

  33. Martin Seeger
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 5:14 PM | Permalink

    Hi,

    someone wrote “The name Rothfuss sounds German already but now here’s the prove – you’re one of us”.

    The probability is quite high, since (at least) the name originated in the northern black forest region, probably around Calw (birthplace of literature nobel prize winner Hermann Hesse, to add a promising touch to this information).

    The literal translation of the name stands for “redfoot”, but my medieval german of this region is practically nonexistent, so the real etymology stands to be discovered.

    Another piece (circumstancial) evidence is, that a lot of german emigrants in the 19th century came from the black forest area and ended up in (guess where) Wisconsin.

    Q.E.D. Martin
    [email protected]

  34. Lotus
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 5:19 PM | Permalink

    I noticed you didn’t include Norway on your list over countries *sniff*

    What about our vikings? Our midnightsun? Our fjords? Our unbeliavably expensive beer?

    Nevermind.

  35. Anonymous
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 5:26 PM | Permalink

    enjoy you trip as each moment is precious where ever you are !

    much love X

    and by the way !

    Leeds is on the way between London and glasgow !

    come to Yorkshire !

  36. Florian
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 5:54 PM | Permalink

    Its okay Pat, as long as you visit us someday… and thanks for that lovely blog. I just wondered when Sarah said: “the baby is huge”. In which week/month is she?

  37. Pierre
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 5:55 PM | Permalink

    Oh, I totally agree with the post saying that little people (between the age of about 3 months until about 12 months or when they start walking) are perfect travel companions! We took our boys to Australia for a few weeks (ages 2.5 and 9 months) and the 9 month old was easier than the walking, talking boy. Once you get the routine down (feed, burp, nap, change) you can do it anywhere.

    But enjoy the pre-baby months, they won’t happen again.

    ->Pierre

  38. Martin Seeger
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 5:59 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    sorry, but i can’t resist to recommend you to stop for one night in the < HREF="http://www.hotel-rothfuss.de/en/freizeit/index.html?lang=en" REL="nofollow">Hotel Rothfuss<>.

    CU, Martin

  39. Zombiesmile
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 6:57 PM | Permalink

    Ooh~
    I hope you two enjoy Rome, it’s quite amazing.
    My favourite was the Fonatana di Trevi, you should check it out. ^~^
    Don’t forget to throw a few coins into it over your shoulder.

  40. Laini Taylor
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 7:42 PM | Permalink

    Hm. This baby that is in my belly has not gotten me a trip to Italy. Perhaps I am going about this pregnancy business all wrong.

    (And Sarah, you are SO right. Rome is AWESOME!!! Have a great time!)

  41. Alicia
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 8:12 PM | Permalink

    London! Manchester! Possibly both!!! W00T!!!!!!

    I must gather some stalkers…..

    -A-

    WV: togri: A bed sheet pretending it is a toga

  42. MarkOwens
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 8:32 PM | Permalink

    Hey you wouldn’t happen to be doing your international fligiht switch-off from Washington, would you? If so, I and many other creepy fan types would love to attend a signing at the bookstore in the terminal!

    WV: memillar = a comic book bag that remembers what comic book it had stored in it after you slide it out.

  43. Madeline
    Posted April 24, 2009 at 12:04 AM | Permalink

    <>Hey Mr AuthorDude :)

    You seem to be having an awesome time in Europe, which is great and all, but poor ole Australia here is feeling a bit left out =P

    Do Sarah’s magical powers work on others?

    xx PirateXxEsque aka Madeline~
    From Aussieland.<>

  44. Pat
    Posted April 24, 2009 at 3:28 AM | Permalink

    Oh man…. Hotel Rothfuss. That’s so funny….

    I’m totally staying there when I finally get to Germany….

  45. Malikelm
    Posted April 24, 2009 at 4:42 AM | Permalink

    Nein Herr Rothfuss Ich Leibe Dich…

  46. Stephen from Stevens Point
    Posted April 24, 2009 at 5:57 AM | Permalink

    When is the second book coming out? Its been posted and removed from the Amazon.com multiple times now. What gives?

  47. Liz
    Posted April 24, 2009 at 5:16 PM | Permalink

    yeah, I second a few other people’s comments… “huge baby” makes me think that you were holding out on us for a while… don’t you know that your life is no longer your own? like, even before the baby started? these tidbits are the things that sustain us while waiting for book two.

    in other words… I’m planning a fancy trip to Michigan, myself. there is evidently endless free beer, ice cream, and chupacabras. or was it chupaquesos? anyways… you going to the penguicon this year?

  48. Chiara
    Posted April 24, 2009 at 8:00 PM | Permalink

    as an italian living in berlin i wish you a great time in rome – it’s a great city and you’ll love it, given that you dont mind the traffic and the shouting people ;)

    i love berlin, by the way, even if it might be more stressful than rome for a pregnant woman, since you have to walk and travel a lot to go from one point of the city to another!

    sorry i won’t have a chance to meet you, maybe i’ll ship my copy of the book to my brother (who lives in paris :P) and have him bring it to the bookstore for you to sign it!!

    ciao!

  49. vanessa
    Posted April 24, 2009 at 9:38 PM | Permalink

    Congratulations. or rather “Herzlichen Glückwunsch”, as I happen to be one of those german readers. don’t go to Rome, go to Florence. or go there as well. It’s much cooler. seriously, take a look at some city-guide before not going there. :-)

  50. Megan
    Posted April 24, 2009 at 10:47 PM | Permalink

    Ok Pat we’ll let ya away with it this time, but just because Sarah is much more important. and you should never anger a prednant woman!

    But be assured the Irish nation is now holding you to that prommis of coming to visit us!

    Have fun on your tour!!! XXX

  51. Angela
    Posted April 25, 2009 at 2:39 AM | Permalink

    Completely off topic but Heifer International–and a cow–were featured on Colbert Report today.

    They say you learn something new everyday. Today I learned that Heifer International supports monogamous cow relationships the world over.

    Yay for monogamous cows!

    http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/225629/april-23-2009/elizabeth-bintliff

  52. Jess
    Posted April 25, 2009 at 5:04 PM | Permalink

    “it’s freaking huge.”

    LOL!

    Go here: damomma.com
    Also, parenthacks.
    And Good luck!

  53. Anonymous
    Posted April 25, 2009 at 7:38 PM | Permalink

    Pat, I just wanted to say: I love. And I love what you said about Germany.
    We will wait until you make it there. I will wait until you make it there! I will even go to the election this year to make sure our country still exists when you finally make it here!
    That post on you blog was the best birthday present today ;D

  54. Casseopia
    Posted April 25, 2009 at 8:13 PM | Permalink

    I need to get knocked up so my husband will take me to Europe…sigh

  55. rainy-day1991
    Posted April 26, 2009 at 10:42 AM | Permalink

    Alright. I see the problem. I actually didn’t really expect you to change your schedule just because all the germans here were complaining. But, well, it was worth trying. *sigh* So all we can do is hoping that you will have fun visiting pretty much all the rest of Europe. ;_; No, don’t worry. We’ll hopefully live long enough to see you around here sometime.

  56. Anonymous
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 12:21 AM | Permalink

    Hi there,

    Cons on the wife and baby and all!

    Thanks for the Love Note, but do you know the feeling if all thats left to you is a love letter of the girl/guy who never showed up :D

    Just kiddn’ Germans can’t bypass the dictates – I mean wishes – of a pregnant beauty any better than the rest of us strong dominant men.

    Anyways a note on your trip:
    Rome is just smock and thats not the place to take a baby, there are a bunch of more interesting places to see in Italy. I think being able to tell people you dived for “< HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_of_the_Abyss" REL="nofollow">Christ of the Abyss<>” is a landslide cooler than having seen the remains of the collosseum.
    Paris is cool though, but stick to the sights, the rest just §/%”&§)% bad!
    Germany on the other hand is worth a trip. But we have really bad reputations, especially when it comes to places you must see in your life. Japanese do come solely to visits “< HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuschwanstein" REL="nofollow">Schloß Neuschwarnstein<>“, which is cool but I wouldn’t cross an ocean to see it.
    I myself live in < HREF="http://www.muenster.de/en/" REL="nofollow">Münster<>, which is beautiful and worth a visit all by itself. As a reference: we won the “< HREF="http://www.livcomawards.com/previous-winners/2004.htm" REL="nofollow">International Awards for Liveable Communities<>” in 2004. That makes us a World Champion City and if thats not the place to visit what is? Remember us if ever you do do your all-over-Germany roaming and singing trip.

    Hope to be reading part 2 of your series soon, letting us wait made me look all over for place to get it and led me here, so it probable was good for something, for now I know all that you ever put on the Internet.

    All the best from Münster, Germany
    Armin

  57. Georgina
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 6:56 AM | Permalink

    Enjoy your trip! I’m sure that a trip to Europe will be fantastic no matter where you go.

    As an Australian, I’m depressed that I am so far away from the rest of the world and cannot visit your tours, but would like to say that I love your book.

    Have fun!

  58. marky
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 11:37 AM | Permalink

    Germany is a pretty amazing country, but in this instance, I’d like to say: ‘Germany 0 Scotland 2’ Hahahahahahahaha!

  59. Vasko
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 1:42 PM | Permalink

    Biggest question, is the second book done?

  60. jeremy
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 8:20 PM | Permalink

    I have a simple request. Why not just simply swing by Honolulu on your way to Europe? I mean it is not like it is completely out of the way or anything. Or maybe you can just say you are going to Europe and go to Hawaii instead. I am sure there is some kind of spell that can fool Sarah into believing she is in Europe all the while you are being in Hawaii, right? Anyway, have fun wherever you end up going.

  61. PioPaoGatoMiao
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 8:31 PM | Permalink

    Congratulazioni for the baby!
    I wish you and Sarah all the happiness in the world!
    Have a nice trip in Europe!
    ..but you can’t come here in Italy and do not see Venice! ^_^
    Buon viaggio!

  62. Anonymous
    Posted April 27, 2009 at 8:41 PM | Permalink

    I love your Blog. It’s making waiting for book 2 less hard :-)

    Greetings,
    Pizzi from Germany

  63. Andrea
    Posted April 29, 2009 at 1:30 PM | Permalink

    Spent a semester in Rome in 2002, so thought I’d share some tips and recommendations : )

    1. If you need to mail anything while you’re there use the Vatican’s mail service, not the Italian one.
    2. The best place to get pictures developed/printed is the Coca-Color right outside the Vatican walls (if it’s still there).
    3. Bread sitting on the table at restaurants is not free (found that out the hard way).
    4. If you go to see the Sistine Chapel prepare to spend several hours wandering around the Vatican Museums first. Believe me, you don’t want to rush through there.
    5. If you’re not squeamish about human bones the Cimitero dei Cappuccini at Via Veneto, 27 is worth a look.
    6. The gelati shop by the Trevi Fountain is nice and has a ton of flavors.

    Enjoy, and try to make it down to Naples to tour Pompeii if you can!

  64. Bridget
    Posted April 29, 2009 at 1:39 PM | Permalink

    Hey, just checking in and saw about your European book signing tour and the new baby. Wow! Congratulations! And seriously, you said a trade paperback made you a man?! Not that I’m not bitterly jealous that you aren’t bringing your entourage down under…Australia is a great place to raise a baby, you know? As it is, I settled for giving my sister instructions to hunt you down while she is travelling. Hunt you down in a good, totally non-Terminator style way, of course.

  65. Annemarie
    Posted May 1, 2009 at 1:08 PM | Permalink

    yay Pat! I see the abc-store has published a time and date on their site. See you on the 14th in Amsterdam! (German readers: don’t hate me for rubbing it in ;))
    (http://abc.nl, scroll down a bit)

  66. SonoranRose
    Posted May 4, 2009 at 7:46 PM | Permalink

    I am, of course, a fan of The Name of the Wind and while searching the internet for more info on the next book, I discovered that your blogs really make me laugh. Even international best-sellers like to hear they make someone’s day with little amusing blogs, right? Have a fabulous time in Europe!

  67. Anonymous
    Posted May 5, 2009 at 12:59 PM | Permalink

    Pat,

    first off, thanks for the kind words regarding Germany. That really helps to patch the disappointment. Come to Germany when you’re sick of the pile of dirt that is Paris ;)

    Now… as to your tour of Germany. Do me a favor and come to someplace in the < HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruhr_Area" REL="nofollow">Ruhr Area<> and kindly skip Cologne. The Ruhr Area is densly populated, and it’s usually possible for people to travel inside that area to get to your book signing. Lots more people you can make happy that way. Münster (as someone said above) is near, as well.

    Other big stops on your tour could be Stuttgart, München, Halle-Saale, Berlin and Hamburg. You’d cover the most ground this way. Sorry if I left out someone’s place of residence, add big cities near you to the list if you want to make sure Pat comes visit :)

  68. Inkcharm
    Posted May 9, 2009 at 3:04 PM | Permalink

    This entry made my day. I have not been able to check your blog for quite some time, which is a shame, but when sorting through my bookmarks on Firefox I found this… and I love you all the more for it.

    Personally, I live in Hamburg, the big harbour city in the north of Germany. It’s quite beautiful here. As far as comparisons to Italy go – well, we DO have more bridges than Venice, so we’re definitely worth a visit or two.

    I really do hope we German’s, crushed in the middle of Europe as we are, will get to see you one of these fine days, Pat. And until then I wish you and Sarah and the baby the best. Have lots of fun in Rome and Paris and never stop writing, you hear me?

    Yours,
    Inkcharm

  69. Anonymous
    Posted May 10, 2009 at 2:05 PM | Permalink

    i can’t help but think you’re being a little ungrateful towards your fans. it’s great that you’ve got money enough now to enable the lifestyle you’ve always wanted, but you’ve nobody else but your fans to thank. and the best way to thank them is to give them the next book, rapidly and well.

    because i know that thankfulness is the lesson you would prefer to teach your child.

  70. Laurent Masse-Navette
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 4:53 PM | Permalink

    Ok, Pat: I’m French and a fan of your book. And to add to this already long list of grievous defects, I’m going to make it even more difficult for you when you schedule your next trip to Europe.
    See, you Americans think that France=Paris and Paris=France. But Paris – every single French who isn’t from Paris will eagerly endorse this – is really the muckhole of France. It’s huge, it’s crowded, smelly and full of unpleasant people. So on your next trip, why don’t you treat yourself with a visit to some really enjoyable places like the Loire Valley, the French Alps, Brittany, Alsace, Provence, the mediterranean coast, Carcassone, the Cathare castles, the Pays Basque, etc…? And if you come ’round the Savoie region, feel free to knock at the door!

    Cheers,

    Laurent.

  71. Ronny
    Posted May 20, 2009 at 1:25 PM | Permalink

    hello Pat, there is no doubt that Sarah made a very good choice dragging you to Rome.
    Btw. you do know that the name “Sarah” originates from Hebrew, and means princess?
    I would expect that you give her the royal treatment anyhow…

    If I might suggest some dates to visit Germany, I would suggest one of the big book fairs in Germany, like the Frankfurter Buchmesse on October 14th to 18th 2009, or the Leipziger Buchmesse on March 18th to 21st 2010 – maybe you could then already present book no. 2? – just wishful thinking… :-)

    Also there is the biggest comics event in Germany coming up in 2010, the Comic-Salon in Erlangen from June 3rd to 6th 2010.

  72. Nikki
    Posted June 15, 2009 at 7:04 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat, I would be cool if you could make it out to Germany while I am still here. I know of a few people of have read your book out this way that absolutely love it. Maybe see about some kind of USO tour thing. Lol (Mil spouse here). Anyway whenever you are able to make it out this way, the food and beer is absolutely to die for! I suggest any kind of schnitzel and bratkartoffeln (that is kinda like fluffy round french fries but way better). for beer really any kind of German beer is really good and very strong! There are also plenty of really cool things to do around here, lots of castle tours and such. And you can never forget Oktoberfest. Anyway I am pretty sure that no matter what countries you wind up going to when, you will find lots of things that you will find wonderful.

    Nikki
    P.S. Just wanted to say you are on my list of very good authors to read. :)

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